Puerto Rico

AS A LOCAL

Welcome to Puerto Rico as a Local 🇵🇷

For years, I’ve had people tell me, “Maria, when I go to Puerto Rico, I want to go with YOU.”

Well… this is your chance.

I was born and raised in Puerto Rico, and although I’ve called New York home since 2007, Puerto Rico will always be home. This trip is very personal to me because I’m not simply planning another vacation

I’m inviting you to experience a piece of the island that shaped who I am.

Puerto Rico as a Local is an adults-only hosted group experience created for travelers who want more than the typical tourist vacation.

We’ll experience Puerto Rico through its history, culture, food, music, traditions, beautiful landscapes, and, most importantly, its people.

Over the course of our journey, we’ll explore different parts of the island, enjoy carefully selected experiences, taste local flavors,

learn about Puerto Rican culture, and still have time to relax and enjoy being in the Caribbean.

I’ve taken care of the planning so you can concentrate on experiencing the island and enjoying

the company of other adults who are ready to explore, laugh, eat, learn, and make some incredible memories together.

This isn't about checking Puerto Rico off your bucket list.

I want you to experience MY Puerto Rico.

And when we head home, I hope you finally understand why I love this little island so much.

Meet Your Host — Maria Martinez

Hi, I’m Maria Martinez, a travel advisor and event planner based in the Albany, New York area, but Puerto Rico will always be home.

I was born and raised in Puerto Rico and moved to New York in 2007. After working in the medical field for 10 years, life took me in a different direction and I decided to follow my passion for planning, travel, and creating experiences that bring people together.

Over the years, so many people have told me, “If I go to Puerto Rico, I want to go with you!” That stayed with me and became the inspiration behind this group experience.

I don’t just want to show you Puerto Rico as a destination. I want to share the Puerto Rico I know and love — the food, culture, beautiful places, local experiences, and those little moments that make the island feel so special.

This trip is personal to me. I’m inviting you to come experience mi isla, my way.

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Itinerary

The Journey

Day 1 – Arrival & Welcome
Touch down in San Juan and settle into your home base. Toast to the adventure ahead with a sunset welcome dinner in Old San Juan's historic plazas.

Day 2 – Old San Juan Historical Tour & Casa Bacardí
We’ll start our day at Casa BACARDÍ, where we’ll enjoy a fun, hands-on mixology class and learn how to create classic rum cocktails while discovering a little of the story behind BACARDÍ.

Later, we’ll head to Old San Juan for a historical tour through its colorful streets, centuries-old architecture, plazas, and iconic landmarks. It’s the perfect combination of Puerto Rican history, culture, and a little rum along the way!

Day 3 – El Yunque Rainforest & Bioluminescent Bay*
Hike lush trails and swim beneath cascading waterfalls in El Yunque National Forest. As night falls, kayak through glowing bioluminescent waters in Fajardo—a magical experience you'll never forget.

Day 4 – Guavate, Ponce & Baños Termales de Coamo
We’ll start in Guavate, home of the famous Ruta del Lechón, where Puerto Rican food, music, and local culture come together. This is your chance to experience one of the island’s favorite traditions and, of course, taste some delicious Puerto Rican food.

From there, we’ll continue south to Ponce, known as La Perla del Sur. We’ll explore highlights of its historic center, colorful architecture, beautiful plazas, and some of the history that gives Ponce its unique character.

Then it’s time to slow things down. Our final stop will be the Baños Termales de Coamo, where you can relax in naturally warm thermal waters surrounded by the peaceful scenery of Puerto Rico’s southern region.

Day 5 – Icacos

This experience is all about slowing down and enjoying the island life—swimming, snorkeling, relaxing on the beach, and taking in those incredible Puerto Rico views.

Day 6 – Loiza Heritage Tour

Step into the heart of Loíza, a community deeply connected to Puerto Rico’s Afro-Puerto Rican heritage, music, art, and traditions.

During this cultural experience, we’ll learn about the rhythms and traditions of Bomba and Plena, discover the history and meaning behind the colorful Vejigante masks, and even paint our own mask to take home as a special memory from the island.

Day 7 – Resort Relaxation Day
Unwind at your beachfront resort. Swim, indulge in spa treatments, explore at your own pace, or simply embrace island time before departure.

Day 8 – Departure
Morning farewells and airport transfers. You'll leave with unforgettable stories and a piece of Puerto Rico in your heart.

Please note that all activities, experiences, schedules, and itinerary details are subject to change and weather permitting. Adjustments may be made when necessary to prioritize the safety, comfort, and overall experience of the group.

Accomodation

Caribe Hilton

Stay

Wake up in paradise in our relaxed and stylish rooms. Discover modern furnishings, distinctive panoramic views. Everything you need for a memorable stay in San Juan.

652 rooms, modern guest rooms are spread between three distinct wings, with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, a historic Spanish fortress, or the colorful Puerto Rican landscape.

38 suites

Over 200 double bedrooms

It’s all about the location, the award-winning resort sits on an exclusive oceanfront peninsula made up of 17 acres of lush tropical gardens.

Just 15 minutes from Luis Muñoz International Airport (SJU).

Ideally located just a short distance from historic Old San Juan, the vibrant Condado district.

U.S. citizens do not need a passport to visit Puerto Rico and uses the same currency.

Explore Experiences

Life is made of memories, give yourself the opportunity to make new ones at Caribe Hilton. The perfect resort for work and play.

The resort offers serenity and endless blue with our secluded beach, three-tier oceanfront pool complex, private cabanas and a relaxing hammock garden.

Sometimes our favorite memories are the ones where we took the time to enjoy the little things. From yoga to Piña Colada tastings, our events calendar is full of a variety of activities for all to enjoy.

We cover a range of services and amenities to make sure that what matters to you, matters to us. A concierge desk with multi-lingual staff, photocopying and transportation, audio/visual equipment rental, tour and guest activity/recreation desk and much more.

Wellness is our forte. Pay a visit to the Zen Spa Oceáno with 15 treatment rooms, outdoor whirlpool, sauna and steam rooms to relax your mind or head over to the Fitness Center open 24/7 to keep up with your regular exercise routine.

Play your perfect match at one of our three Gold Olympian Monica Puig championship tennis courts and connect with nature

The essentials are never too far away. With on-site shopping, pick up the little necessities or a local souvenir to always keep reminders of San Juan close to you.

Filled with local greenery the tropical gardens will reveal the beauty of the island and connect with nature. Participate in our pond feeding activity and get to know all the little creatures that abound here.

Delicious Dining

Caribe Hilton has introduced ten reimagined culinary concepts with creations from all over the world.

Leading with authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, as well as Italian and American fusions and dessert shops offering ice cream and freshly baked goods.

From fine dining at Morton’s The Steakhouse to the comfort of your room with our in room dining.

Grab a latte or enjoy our swim up bar for our famous cocktails.

Savor the original Piña Colada – invented at the resort in 1954, crafted 70 years ago.

Beach Standard King Bed with Balcony and Start your day with a delicious daily breakfast buffet at the Main Restaurant, with a variety of options to fuel up before another day of exploring Puerto Rico.

Activities

This trip is about experiencing Puerto Rico beyond the typical vacation, while enjoying the fun and relaxed atmosphere of an adults-only group experience.

Together, we’ll discover the island through its history, culture, food, music, beautiful landscapes, and local traditions. From Old San Juan and Loíza to Guavate, Ponce, Coamo, and the turquoise waters of Cayo Icacos, each experience has been selected to show you a different side of my Puerto Rico—with a great mix of culture, adventure, relaxation, local flavor, and good times together.

Guavate

Portraits of people from around the globe

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Importants Details

Activity Requirements & Safety

Your safety and enjoyment are our priority. Certain activities included or offered during this trip may have specific health, weight, height, and mobility requirements established by the activity providers. Bio Bay kayaking has a maximum individual weight of 260 lbs and a maximum combined weight of 400 lbs per kayak.

Participation is not permitted for individuals who are pregnant, have recently undergone surgery, have back or spinal conditions, heart conditions, or mobility difficulties. Any medical condition that may affect your ability to safely participate must be disclosed so eligibility can be confirmed with the activity provider. Requirements are established by the individual activity providers and may be subject to change.

Meals & Dining

Please note that not all meals are included in the trip package. Only meals specifically listed as included in the final itinerary will be covered. All other meals, snacks, beverages, and personal dining expenses will be the responsibility of each traveler. This is intentional, as part of the Puerto Rico as a Local experience is having the freedom to explore local restaurants, try authentic Puerto Rican food, and choose what you would like to eat along the way. Specific information about included meals will be clearly identified in the final itinerary.

Dietary Requirements & Food Allergies

Please let us know about any food allergies, dietary restrictions, or special dietary requirements when completing your trip application.

We will make every reasonable effort to communicate your needs to our hotels, restaurants, and experience providers; however, specific dietary accommodations cannot be guaranteed at every location.

Travelers with severe or life-threatening food allergies should take any necessary precautions and carry appropriate medication while traveling.

Your Investment

Puerto Rico as a Local | June 5 to 12, 2027

This is more than a hotel stay and a few excursions. Puerto Rico as a Local is a carefully curated, adults-only hosted group experience designed to let you explore the island without having to coordinate all the details yourself.

Trip Investment

$X,XXX per person
Based on double occupancy — two adults sharing one room.

A non-refundable deposit of $XXX per person will be required to secure your reservation once your application has been approved.

A convenient payment plan will be available, with the remaining balance divided into scheduled payments and final payment due by [DATE].

Your Investment Includes

Your trip package will include your accommodations, daily breakfast, scheduled group transportation, and the experiences and activities listed in the final itinerary, including our carefully selected cultural, historical, culinary, and island experiences.

You’ll also have me, Maria, traveling with the group and hosting the experience from beginning to end.

Not Included

Airfare to and from Puerto Rico is not included in the trip investment; however, assistance with flight arrangements will be available.

Travel protection, meals and beverages not specifically listed as included, personal purchases, optional activities, and other personal expenses are also not included.

Important to Know

Because reservations and arrangements for this group require advance commitments to hotels, transportation companies, tour operators, and other suppliers, payments are non-refundable and non-transferable according to the trip's terms and conditions.

Travel protection is strongly recommended. Coverage, benefits, exclusions, and reimbursement eligibility are determined by the individual travel protection policy.

Complete trip pricing, deposit information, payment schedule, inclusions, and terms will be provided before you are asked to commit to your reservation.

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